Avocados are cherished everywhere for their creamy texture and delicate flavour. They can be spread on toast, blended into smoothies, or added to salads, and their vibrant colour and flavour make them a great addition to any breakfast or snack choice.
However, freshly sliced avocado has a tendency to turn brown fast, sometimes even before you’ve had a chance to enjoy it. This oxidation process, which causes the fruit to lose its appeal, can happen quickly and often results in throwing out perfectly good avocado. Many of us have tried various methods to keep our avocados fresh, but it’s actually one of the simplest storage techniques that can help preserve them almost intact for longer.
According to Regina Mitchell, executive chef and founder of Your Friend in the Kitchen, the answer lies in lemons, which cost as little as 30p at many major supermarkets.
Regina explained: “Lemon or any citrus juice slows oxidation, so putting lemon juice on the avocado can be helpful. It just may change the taste a little bit.”
While the idea of citrus-infused avocado might not sound ideal, the science behind this method is what backs it.
Lemon juice contains citric acid, which lowers the pH of the enzymes in the avocado. This natural preservative prevents the enzymes from reacting with oxygen, ultimately halting the browning process that often ruins your avocado slices.
To use this simple trick, drizzle a generous amount of lemon juice on the cut side of the avocado. Then, wrap the fruit tightly in cling film to keep air and moisture at bay.
“This will help keep your avocado slices bright green, creamy, and fresh for a few days longer,” Regina assured.
Regina also offered an additional tip for storing avocado slices, saying: “Storing your halved avocado face down on a plate will also help stop any oxidation.”
This method creates an even stronger barrier against the air, which is the primary reason for browning.
